Lennon: Barcelona are the best team in the world

The Bhoys manager has called upon his team to produce a special performance in the Champions League, but accepts that the Catalans will likely dominate Wednesday's match

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has voiced his belief that Barcelona are the best team in the world ahead of his side's Champions League clash with the Blaugrana in Glasgow on Wednesday.

The Catalans claimed a 2-1 win over the Hoops at Camp Nou a fortnight ago, and the Northern Irish coach accepted that his side are unlikely to see much of the ball in the return fixture.

"I have watched Barcelona on many occasions. In recent away games, they dominate possession to the point where it's 70-30," he told reporters.

"We have no reason to expect to have possession - we accept we will concede ground and the ball at times because they are the best in the world at keeping possession.

"It will be a very special evening. It'll be a Champions League game, we'll play probably the best team in the world and it's the [125th] anniversary of the club.

"[We're playing at our] home venue, our record is good, the crowd will lift the players, they will inspire the players and I hope the players will do themselves justice on the night."

Lennon also stressed the importance of striving for a result despite their underdog status, to help give his side a chance to progress out of the group stages.

"If we get something out of the game, it'll give us a strong foothold in the group. We want to get a positive result. We know it's going to be hugely difficult.

“I was disappointed with some of the accusations levelled at the team’s performance, because Barcelona force you to play that way. You do not go out to play that way and other teams have been on the back foot, better teams with better players.

"We almost came away with a superb result, but it wasn't to be. On the balance of the game, Barcelona deserved the win but we should of come out of the game with an enormous amount of credit."